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But several of the councillors whose votes he will need to make that happen are wary of the sudden appearance of an agenda. They also wonder if Ford’s close call will shock him into becoming a consensus-builder or embolden him to stick with a governing style many call autocratic.

“We will introduce a new economic strategy to grow Toronto in the 21st century,” Ford said, also promising “a broad transportation strategy that will serve our residents and their grandchildren for the next 100 years.”

The mayor also repeated a 2010 campaign pledge to improve the customer service provided by city departments and arm’s-length agencies.

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He proclaimed: “Together, we will build a Toronto that’s hands-down the best city in the world to live, work and invest in.”

Several councillors contacted after the speech had no knowledge of the new initiatives. TTC Chair Karen Stintz, for example, knew nothing of any new long-term transportation strategy.

But Councillor Michael Thompson noted the new economic focus, dubbed “Collaborating for Competitiveness,” has been released ahead of its presentation at next Wednesday’s economic development committee meeting.

“It will refocus and repurpose our efforts in how we attract businesses to Toronto and how we grow the businesses in the city,” Thompson said.

Ford also vowed in his speech to “continue fighting for the great people of this city for the next six years,” raising some councillors’ fears he is more focused on winning the 2014 civic election than on getting things done now.

In the past year, the mayor’s penchant for calling out political enemies and refusing to compromise has left him largely sidelined.

Ford displayed a new willingness to compromise during 2013 budget deliberations. However, he also initially voted for a tax freeze — and against his own administration’s budget — alienating allies including Councillor Mike Del Grande, who promptly quit as budget chief.

Stintz, who had been strongly critical of Ford for not offering any major goals for the last half of his four-year term, and who is rumoured to be considering a mayoral run in 2014, welcomed his new focus.

“If the mayor brings forward a strong agenda and council can rally around it, that’s a benefit,” Stintz said, adding Ford has “certainly demonstrated renewed commitment to his position.”

Deputy Mayor Doug Holyday said the Ford administration will stick to its agenda.

“I’m not saying we’re not going to try to work harder with all members of council; we will. You can only go so far with people.

“If they’re going to go to the extent that they want to knock you off what you’re trying to do, how much of that can you give up before it’s not your agenda any longer?”

Councillor Adam Vaughan, a staunch Ford critic, said the mayor’s “to do” list was exhausted within months of him taking office.

“I’m not sure there’s any renewal. I don’t see any phoenix rising out of the flames,” he said. “Rob Ford is still Rob Ford. If he presents an agenda that council can rally behind, it will. If he not, he’ll get blocked at council.”

In the “absence of a full-time mayor,” he said, councillors of different political stripes have learned to work together on transit expansion and social housing and are ready to tackle the casino proposal and the fate of the crumbling Gardiner Expressway.

Councillor James Pasternak, a council centrist who initially voted frequently with the mayor, said he believes Ford has received a “very strong message” to listen to, and work with, councillors.

“I think there’ll be a new, revised and updated mayor, and that’s what I’m hoping for.”

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